Average Salary for U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) Employees

The median salary at U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) is $69K per year. For the most part, employee paychecks at U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) fluctuate depending on what you do at the company; your experience level and where you live also matter, but to a lesser degree. This overview is based on answers to PayScale's salary questionnaire.

About This Company

Jobs

The highest paychecks go to Administrative Law Judges, who earn an average $152K annually, closely trailed by Information Technology Specialists ($95K), Attorneys (approximately $85K), and Operations Supervisors (around $78K). On the lower end are Customer Service Representatives at about $37K on average.

Years of Experience

For those with one to four years of experience, median paychecks reach $40K per year. Those who have five to nine years of work experience see average salaries of around $79K annually. The largest fraction of U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) people (29 percent) have been working for 10-19 years and earn $85K per year on average.

Locations

When it comes to location, the highest average paycheck ($97K annually) can be spotted in Washington, DC; Baltimore, Md. ($89K), Pittsburgh, Pa. (about $77K), and Seattle, Wash. (approximately $70K) are the next top-paying cities. Chicago, Ill. is near the bottom for pay at $52K. By state, the highest compensation levels appear in District of Columbia, where the average salary is $97K per year.

Certifications and Degrees

Licensed Lawyers receive bigger paychecks (about $116K annually) than those without credentials. Acquiring certification to be a Customer Support Specialist is rewarded with median pay of around $50K per year. Regarding salaries and education, U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) pays those with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) the most — $119K.

Skills

When it comes to skills, Project Management seems to bolster pay the most; employees who claim proficiency also enjoy a median income of approximately $101K annually. Customer Service is regularly seen around here; just under a fourth of those surveyed report it as a core competency. Key skills also include Claim Handling, Customer Relations, and Operations Management.

Benefits and Perks

Paid time off is scarce, with only about one-half of respondents receiving paid vacation and about two in five workers receiving sick leave. The firm looks out for its employees by sponsoring assorted retirement savings plans such as a 401(k) plan and a company pension plan. At U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA), a majority of respondents have health insurance, and a majority of workers have dental coverage. Advantages of working here also include flexible hours, a casual working environment, and life insurance.